- Significantly more ADHD in children after Corona
Post-Corona, the number of children requiring care in the Rhineland due to ADHD and developmental disorders has skyrocketed. This is evident in a report by the Medical Service North Rhine for the years 2019 to 2023, obtained by dpa. "We can only observe the numbers, but the temporal connection suggests there may also be a causal connection to Corona," a spokesperson said. The Medical Service North Rhine is responsible for the western part of the federal state (excluding Westphalia).
In 2019, "Simple Activity and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" was the reason for care needs in elementary school children (7-10 years old) around 400 times. In 2022, after the corona pandemic, 916 cases were registered, and in 2023, the number increased to 1,328 according to the report. The total number of severe developmental disorders, including autism and Asperger's syndrome, increased significantly in this age group - from 764 cases in 2019 to 1,426 in 2022 and then to 1,911 in 2023.
The trend was even clearer among adolescents aged 11 to 17: In 2019, care needs due to ADHD were diagnosed around 300 times, almost 1,300 times in 2023.
Across all age groups, the need for care has increased significantly, the report states: The number of assessments increased by almost half, from 2019 to 2023, to 395,000. On average, men were more care-dependent last year than four years ago (72 in 2019: 73), and women were 73 (2019: 76).
Given the rapidly growing demand, the Medical Service appealed to politics to promote outpatient care services better. Many care-dependent people suffer from loneliness and complain about a lack of information about the support offers of the care insurance.
The Commission, recognizing the increased demand for care services due to ADHD and developmental disorders in the Rhineland, might consider implementing strategies to enhance outpatient care services. The Commission shall explore ways to address the issue of loneliness and lack of information among care-dependent individuals about the available support offers from the care insurance.
